Industrial

Industrial Executive Search

Worldwide, the industrial and manufacturing sector is undergoing a fundamental change. Advancements in technology have led to a rise in automation and robotics, posing a real threat to the unskilled workforce whilst also addressing concerns about efficiency.

The sector faces greater scrutiny over its environmental credentials and must also tackle the real threat of cyber-security. In an industrial executive search, companies need to find individuals with the necessary skills and vision to meet these challenges.

Keeping Up With Industry 4.0

If the industrial sectors of Europe and North America wish to compete on the international market, they must either justify their higher costs or find a means of reducing them. Unsurprisingly, many companies have turned to technology as the answer. The advent of Industry 4.0 has seen a greater emphasis on combining the physical and digital worlds in ‘smart factories’. With sophisticated monitoring tools and virtual digital models, machines can increasingly self-diagnose problems and make decisions. As part of their industrial executive search, companies should identify individuals who see the possibilities of these rapidly developing technologies and how they can be used to increase collaboration and efficiency.

Of course, with greater technology comes a new set of security risks. Hackers are specifically targeting the industrial and manufacturing sectors with the aim of obtaining sensitive data and holding it for ransom. There is always the possibility that a hacker could infiltrate a company’s systems and halt production. Cyber-security awareness should be a minimum requirement in an industrial executive search.

Insight Into Global Trade Agreements & Regulations

In a global market, changes in international laws and regulations can have a serious impact on a company’s operations, procedures and target markets. A candidate should be able to demonstrate their understanding of any present arrangements under which the company falls, and those that it is likely to in future. Two heavily publicised examples are the re-negotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the post-Brexit relationship between the UK and the EU. All trade agreements and industrial regulations are subject to the changing priorities and policies of revolving government administrations. Industrial executive search candidates should have a vision for how the company can remain competitive irrespective of regulation, rather than relying on it to provide an edge.

The industrial and manufacturing sector is subject to great volatility in the availability and price of raw materials. As a result, work hours have become more flexible, employee turnover has increased and industrial sites relocate or shut down more frequently. Any applicant must acknowledge these conditions and display their commitment to finding a sustainable solution that works for the company.

In an age of globalisation, a willingness to travel is clearly a requirement of any industrial executive search. Furthermore, industrial sites are rare in the most sought-after locations, which could sway someone’s decision.

6 Group will act as your partner in finding individuals who have a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing the industry sector and a willingness to find and implement solutions.

Operating across EMEAI, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, 6 Group is one of the world’s most innovative Executive Search & Leadership Advisory firms.

For a discussion about how we can help you to truly thrive in the Industrial sector, get in touch using the contact form below.

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